Translations
Original
Notes
Israel’s identity as the Lord’s people was in great danger because they were unfaithful at this time. Their sin threatened their special relationship with God.
Phinehas showed strong zeal (deep commitment and passion) for God’s holiness and justice. He acted in a way that matched God’s own concern for what is right. Because of this, God gave Phinehas and his descendants a special blessing.
God made a covenant of peace (a lasting promise of peace and favor) with Phinehas. The men in his family who were qualified could serve as priests forever (compare Malachi 2:5).
This covenant was unconditional (it did not depend on future actions). It was similar to the covenant God made with David (see Jeremiah 33:19–22).
Israel was camped across the Jordan River from Jericho. They were almost ready to enter the land and begin the conquest. However, at this important moment, they fell into serious sin.
Balaam advised Israel’s enemies to lead the people into sexual immorality and idolatry at Baal-peor (31:16).
He could not harm Israel with a curse, so he chose another way. He led them into sin through lust and the worship of false gods.
The early church faced similar temptations. Believers were warned about idolatry and sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11).
Glossary
Areli, Arelite Balaam Deuteronomy, Book of Idols, Idolatry Joshua, Book of Malachi, Book of Midian, Midianite Moab, Moabites Numbers, Book of Peace Peor (Place) Phinehas Shittim (Place)
Topics
Covenant with Phinehas Decision: Phinehas Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Israel: Punished by a Plague in Consequence, Twenty-Four Thousand People Die Phinehas: Religious Zeal of, in Killing the Israelitish Woman Who had Committed Abomination Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas Religious Zeal: Phinehas The High Priest: Office of, Promised to the Posterity of Phinehas for his Zeal Under the Law Atonement: Extraordinary Cases of